For a long time, the environmental challenge in construction has been approached solely by means of improving the thermal and energy performance of buildings. And for good reason: of the 37% of greenhouse gas emissions emitted by buildings1, 27% comes from energy consumed by heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. Energy efficiency, therefore, remains an indisputable priority. But it is also essential to deal with the remaining 10% – the carbon emitted throughout the life cycle of buildings and not just while they are being used. From operational to embodied carbon The Paris Agreement, which is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, leads the way to building standards that further light and eco-friendly construction. Reducing operational carbon, i.e., the carbon emitted during the building’s operating phase – such as lighting and energy – remains a priority when undertaking renovations. But it is also essential to consider the carbon footprint of a building over its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to transport, and the recovery of materials at the end of its life. The reason is simple: all these steps generate CO2 to a greater or lesser extent. Therefore, embodied carbon, which often goes undetected, must be scrutinized. Decarbonizing across the entire value chain By 2050, seven billion of us will be living in urban areas, creating a demographic challenge. Coupled with climate disruption and increasingly rare resources, it will require us to consider the entire life cycle of buildings, from design to use, to ensure all real estate projects are truly sustainable. > 1. UN - "Emissions from the building sector have reached an all-time high” 21 CONSTRUCTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
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